Using Your Time for Jesus

By Jeff Arnette     Last week we considered, “Making Time for Jesus.” In our modern hustle and bustle, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s important to us and our faith. Yet, the question remains, how do I use what little time I have for Jesus? While the answer can vary for us, depending on our time and talents, I believe the words of John 15:1-8 provide great insights into this question.     In this passage, Jesus declares, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful” (John 15:1-2, NIV). This pictures Jesus as the vine and faithful Christians as the branches. It underscores the importance of remaining connected to Christ. Just as a branch draws its life from the vine, so we draw our spiritual life from our relationship with Jesus.     This begins by being intentional in our daily walk with Jesus. He said, “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me” (John 15:4, NIV). We are challenged to build a strengthening and growing relationship with Jesus, and this happens through prayer, reading the Bible, and worship. When we prioritize these disciplines, our connection to Him grows and we are empowered to bear fruit.     Another aspect of using our time for Jesus is serving others. Jesus said, “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5, NIV). We bear fruit through acts of love, kindness, and service to others. No matter how you use your unique talents for Jesus the most important part is using them.     As we make and use our time for Jesus, we are promised more fruit and a testimony to our identity as disciples of Jesus Christ. Jesus promises, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15:7-8, NIV).     Using our time for Jesus keeps us connected to Him, serving others, and bearing much fruit for the Father. In it we become His hands and feet here sharing his love and grace with the world. Let’s commit to using our time for Jesus and bringing glory to the Father.

Jeff Arnette preaches for the Central Haywood church of Christ, Clyde, NC.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://centralhaywoodcoc.com/